The Cross River State Government on Monday inaugurated the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Policy, reaffirming its commitment to improved public health and sustainable water governance.
The policy was launched in Calabar in the presence of government officials, lawmakers, development partners, traditional leaders, and civil society organizations.
WASH is a Federal Government policy framework that outlines how safe water, proper sanitation, and good hygiene services should be planned, delivered, regulated, and sustained for the population.
Commissioner for Water Resources, Mr Bassey Mensah, said the policy reflects a collective vision, inclusive consultations, and renewed resolve to improve citizens’ quality of life.
Mensah noted that the review process, spanning 2024 to 2025, involved government, the legislature, partners, and private sector actors to address current realities and future challenges.
He expressed gratitude to Governor Bassey Otu for his political will, noting that the State Executive Council’s approval underscores the government’s prioritization of water, sanitation, and hygiene.
The commissioner also acknowledged Self Help Africa for its technical and financial support through the WASH Systems for Health Programme.
Country Director of Self Help Africa, Ms Joy Adelere, described the policy as inclusive, forward-looking, and aligned with national and international standards.
Adelere said Self Help Africa has partnered with Cross River for 26 years, supporting Nigeria’s first Open Defecation Free local governments in 2016.
She urged sustained political will, funding, coordination, and monitoring to translate the policy into improved WASH services statewide.
“Cross River could still achieve full Open Defecation Free status with commitment, learning from Jigawa State’s recent success,” she said.
Chairman of the House Committee on Water Resources, Mr Kingsley Ntui, said effective laws remain critical to successful WASH policy implementation.
He noted that the Cross River House of Assembly has shown commitment through the passage of the Water Law and progress on the Open Defecation Prohibition Bill.
Ntui assured the Ministry of Water Resources of legislative support despite funding challenges, identifying passion, focus, and commitment as key drivers of success.
The event concluded with calls for sustained collaboration to translate the WASH Policy into lasting health and development benefits for Cross River residents.
